Being a wise guy.....

or wise woman for that matter.

Webster's dictionary has this definition for wisdom

1.the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

Taking a look in James, just see how similar Webster's dictionary definition and what James has to say.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.

This is the best description of wisdom that I have found.

Peace loving:Wisdom incurs peace. It settles disputes between neighbours, siblings and friends. It encourages people to love and care for others.

Gentle:Being wise includes knowing how to be tactful. When positively criticizing a person, one shouldn't say things to demean them. For example: "You did a terrible job of cleaning your room." Instead, one should rather say something like "I see that you tried to clean your room, but it does require some more work."

Think of how you would react in either situation. How would you feel? Would you prefer the tactful comment instead?

Willing to yield to others:Being wise also means that you know when to say something but you also know when not to say something. There is a balance of compromise involved as well. And, with the ability to compromise, it saves much grief in the end. There is much less or no arguing involved and both parties leave feeling OK about what's just happened.

When's the last time you said something that you immediately regretted saying wishing you could take it back? Being wise with your choice of words, or choice to speak greatly affects how others view you and how you view yourself.

Full of Mercy and Good Deeds:Peace is also about having a heart for others. You are showing others how much you care, even when they've wronged you. It may be hard, but it leads to much greater things (or so I've been told). The good deeds show how you are able to go after this wisdom. It allows you to connect with others in a way that develops relationships in a positive way.

Shows no partiality:Wisdom doesn't take sides. It finds justice. There is no favoritism because with that comes jealousy and discord. No one likes being in that kind of situation.

Is always sincere:There is no faking it when it comes to true wisdom. It seeks after the truth in whatever circumstance it may be. With that comes peace and with peace comes many things. Good friends, good choices and whatever else that may be relevant in your own life.

For myself, I like to believe that I possess at least some wisdom. I know that I have a long way to go and that I'm not perfect, but I'm trying. I do have moments that I wish I could take back. Either I've said the wrong thing, made the wrong assumption, or just didn't catch on to what the other person was saying or needing.

I often kick myself because of these things. That's when I get the "if onlys" running through my head. "If only I hadn't said that...." or "If only I had done this for that person."

In the end though, I believe that I learn from those irretrievable moments. I'll be less likely to do or say those things again even though it was a hard lesson learned.

I believe it's important to display this kind of wisdom when dealing with any other person here on this earth. Without it, there is unhappiness, discord, and strife. It's not always easy for me to do on my own as I am human and have a tendency to sin just like every other person in existence.


I am convinced that wisdom is a precious gem to be guarded. Not everyone possesses the wisdom required to live a full God-filled life BUT I also believe that everyone has the potential to acquire that wisdom.

Where are you at? Are you wise?

I'm no where near that point...but I'm learning one lost moment at a time.